Russian expert: Moscow won't extradite Kerimov to Belarus

The Belarusian authorities should not count on the arrest and extradition of Uralkali's shareholder by Russian law-enforcement bodies.

Pavel Bykov, the deputy editor of Russian magazine Expert, spoke to charter97.org about the demand by the Belarusian interior minister to extradite Suleiman Kerimov.

“Russia does not deliver its citizens to other states on the ground of some statements. It is an absolutely normal practice. The extradition request is inappropriate in this case. Yes, we have a union state, but there are certain procedures to settle such issues. Otherwise we have a collision affecting the interests of the two countries,” the journalist noted.

He adds that if a case exists, charges must be presented and the case must be sent to the law-enforcement agencies of the other state, which will bring it to a court.

“It would be wrong to say that Russian law-enforcement bodies must arrest Kerimov and launch an investigation just on the ground of statements. There were precedents when Russia extradited its citizens for trials. Two Russian hackers, who committed a crimed against America's interests, were tried in the US. But all investigative procedures were carried out and all necessary documents were provided. This situation is more difficult. This is the interwoven interests of the two companies. One should not hope that Russia will arrest Kerimov,” Pavel Bykov said.

We remind that Belarusian interior minister Ihar Shunevich demanded to extradite Russian oligarch and Uralkali shareholder Suleiman Kerimov to bring him to justice.